Dr Mikao Usui was born in 1865, how he founded the Usui system of natural healing is widely speculated. Many sources do agree that he was among other things a buddhist monk and that he spent many years travelling across Japan, China and Europe to increase his knowledge.
In about 1922 Usui went to Mount Kurama for 21 days to meditate and fast, it was at the end of this period that he experienced a moment of enlightenment where the reiki energy attuned him and allowed him to be aware of his ability to heal.
Usui used this energy on himself and his family and then opened clinics to treat and teach others. It was at this point that he developed the stages of attunement and levels of training. He wanted reiki to be available to everybody and believed that using this energy we could work together to bring harmony to the world.
In 1926 Usui died but through his teachings the Usui system of natural healing was able to be passed on and used for increasing the well being of others.
The ideal of reiki
The secret art of inviting happiness
The miraculous medicine of all diseases
Just for today, do not anger
Do not worry and be filled with gratitude
Devote yourself to your work. Be kind to people.
Every morning and evening, join your hands in prayer.
Pray these words to your heart
and chant these words with your mouth